How to design your own eco-friendly kitchen

These days, 'eco-friendly' is a buzz term in kitchen design, where energy- and water-hungry appliances once reigned supreme. But there's more to creating a green kitchen than just buying the most efficient fridge or dishwasher.

Here are some other things to consider when designing an eco kitchen:

Water-saving taps

You'd be surprised at how big a difference these can make to your overall water usage. Standard kitchen taps discharge as much as 18 litres of water per minute, but low-flow models (i.e. those with the high star rating) cut that back to as little as 2 litres per minute.

Eco-friendly paints and adhesives

Conventional paints release toxic compounds long after they've dried. These emissions have been linked to respiratory illnesses, allergies and, to a lesser extent, global warming. So when finishing your new green kitchen, opt for paints and adhesives that are low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Choose renewable materials

While we all love the look of natural stone and old-growth timber, these aren't the most environmentally sustainable choices for our kitchen floors and benchtops. For timber floors that don't cost the earth, consider fast-growing cork, bamboo or plantation timbers, and for a marble look that's not only greener, but much cheaper to boot, check out new products like Marmoleum, which are made from natural, readily available, renewable materials.

Consider recycled products

They may take a little more effort to source, but recycled fittings and materials make for not only an eco-friendly kitchen, but a unique one too. Hunt around salvage yards and auction houses for everything from appliances to complete cabinetry. And consider recycling your own unwanted items - if they're in good condition, they could be just what a fellow renovator is looking for.

Lighting

Apart from choosing energy-saving light globes, make sure you incorporate as much natural light into your kitchen design as possible, including skylights if necessary. Ideally you should be able to work in your kitchen during the day without switching on a light.

Insulate

As long as you're ripping up floors and replacing wall board, you might as well ensure your new eco kitchen is as well insulated as possible. Not only will this ensure that the room stays warm in winter and cool in summer, it can also eliminate noise transfer. Just be sure to choose 'green' insulation that's low in fibreglass particles.

To discuss your eco-friendly kitchen design ideas, talk to a kitchen designer in your area: